• The.Ismaili Portugal | 28 October 2024 | Portugal

    Blood Donation Campaign - Come Save Lives!

Have you ever thought that donating blood could be a life-saving gesture? Each donation is a simple, safe action with immeasurable impact, capable of benefiting up to three people in a state of emergency. On 9 November 2024, participate in the Blood Donation Campaign that will take place at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon between 9:30am and 1:30pm.

Português

Ismaili CIVIC Portugal, in partnership with the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST) and the Aga Khan Health Board for Portugal, is once again organising a Blood Donation Campaign so that together we can help those who need it most.

Why donate blood?

Blood is an irreplaceable component for the survival of countless people. Whether it's treatment for chronic illnesses, serious accidents or surgical complications, blood transfusions are essential for prolonging and improving the quality of life for many. Donated blood is separated into components - red blood cells, platelets and plasma - which fulfil different clinical needs. Therefore, a single donation can help save several lives.

Inspiring Cases

The benefits of blood donation are witnessed in real-life stories:

  • An elderly man with leukaemia who, thanks to regular transfusions, regained the strength to carry out his daily activities;
  • A woman who was the victim of an accident and survived because of an emergency transfusion;
  • A young mother who, after complications in childbirth, had her condition stabilised with donated blood;
  • A premature baby whose health was restored thanks to the transfusion.

These stories highlight the importance of having blood in stock — a need that is only met by the generosity of regular donors.

Who can donate?

To donate blood, some minimum requirements are necessary to ensure both the health of the donor and the quality of the donated blood:

  • Age: 18 to 65 years old (from 17 years old wih guardians' permission);
  • Weight: minimum of 50 kg;
  • Healthy Lifestyle;
  • Good general health: not having received transfusions since 1980 and, for those who lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996, unable to donate due to mad cow disease.

To ensure the safety of the process, the screening is carried out by qualified professionals, ensuring the eligibility of each participant.

Tips for the Donors

For a safe and effective donation, we recommend:

Before:

  • Reinforce hydration with liquids such as water or tea the day before and on the same day;
  • Avoid long periods of sun exposure;
  • Always eat breakfast;
  • Do not eat a large meal before donating.

After:

  • Continue hydration;
  • Avoid long periods of sun exposure;
  • Avoid physical exercise on the day of donation.

If you have any questions in relation to whether you can be a donor, please check the officialwebsite of IPST here.

Join us!

This campaign is an opportunity to practice the values of solidarity and make a difference in your community! Each contribution matters and makes you a hero for someone in need. We look forward to seeing you on the 9th November to transform lives together!

Sign up now and bring friends and family. Together we will make a difference!

You can register here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email [email protected].

Giving blood is giving hope. We're counting on you!